(first posted 10/6/2018) That the VW Pickup was designed specifically for the US, despite it being a tiny FWD unibody thing, may seem rather odd from today’s perspective, given how big trucks have become, and trying to sell anything less than a full-framed truck seems to be the kiss of death. And it’s not like this pickup was designed in a rush after the second energy crisis, when everyone was rushing to micro-size their cars. No, the VW pickup arrived in 1979, by which time the first energy crisis was becoming a distant memory. No wonder it never sold very well.
But it did develop a cult following, most of all in diesel form. After the second energy crisis, diesel anythings were in huge demand. And here was a pickup that could get 40+mpg. And in subsequent decades, there were certain folks who were steadfast in their loyalty to them. If they had a second car, it was most likely a Prius. I’ve seen this one around for years, but it’s finally getting sold.
